Peak District Running Events
The Peak District is an absolute paradise for walkers and climbers, but also ideal for fell running, with some of the best off-road running in the entire country – yes that’s right! The Peak District is the best place to come to really stretch your legs, over rocky ascents, moorland, craggy ridges and muddy ditches as well as stunning scenic routes which is just an added bonus.
The Peak District is a trail run heaven. For those of you that are keen runners or even if you’re a beginner, you might want to set yourself a ‘2023 Peak District Challenge’. With plenty of annual running/trail events happening throughout the year in the Peak District, you can try and accomplish one of the many running events.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to get together as a running group and stay in one of our Peak District properties nearby some of the best running trails around and make it a running weekend to remember!
Rich Gill - A Personal Journey
To provide you with an added level of inspiration, we took some time out to speak to an avid trail and fell runner Rich Gill. Rich loves to spend a lot of his time running the many trails in and around the Peak District and he shares below why he’s so passionate about this:
"Trail running for me is a huge part of my life and one that is so important to me now that I have discovered the power and positive influence it has on me both mentally and physically this coupled with the fact that it provides me with a purpose, a reason why and a thrill that is different to anything else I have experienced.
Thankfully I live on the edge of the Peak District National Park which provides a perfect playground for me to get out and continue my never-ending exploration of this beautiful landscape."
"Connecting with nature and the great outdoors is something I have always done; this is just at a different pace. Whether this be a solo adventure or with friends, I have never regretted going for a run in the Peaks, only the ones I didn't!
I have participated in quite a few trail and fell races and challenges set within the Peak District over the last few years. Setting goals and placing these races/events in my diary really helps with establishing a sense of achievement and accomplishment whilst making you realise that you are stronger both mentally and physically than you believe.
You have to just step out of the door, tie up your laces, take the plunge and believe in yourself."
Rich Gill
(Check out his Instagram Page)
Events
If that’s got you ready to attempt your own trail event then check out all the current Peak District running events in 2023 below and be sure to book yourself a place:
Grindleford Gallop
Saturday 11th March 2023 from 07:00:00.
The Gallop is an annual 21 mile fell race starting in Grindleford. It raises money for the primary school PTA and is run by volunteers. There are 600 entrants in total (500 runners and 100 walkers).
Running event by Grindleford Primary PTA.
Fee: £25
Pennine Bridleway 55km Trail Run
Saturday 25th March 2023 from 09:30:00.
Take in some of the best views from the Pennine Bridleway. Straightforward route. Mixed undulating terrain. Flexible start times. Generous timings for walk-jog participants. Expect low-key, great-value, big-enjoyment, trail-running.
Running event by Ranger Expeditions (& Ultras) Ltd.
Fee: £50
Pennine Bridleway PB18km Trail Run
Saturday 25th March 2023 from 10:00:00.
A short trail race and straightforward route, packed with scenery. Generous timings for walk-jog participants & flexible start time. HQ hospitality. Finishers' eco-medals. Winners trophies. Low-key, great-value, big-enjoyment, trail-running.
Running event by Ranger Expeditions (& Ultras) Ltd.
Fee: £15
Saturday 20th May 2023 from 08:00:00.
Running/walking event.
Fee: £25
Maverick Adidas TERREX X Series Peaks
Saturday 20th May 2023 from 09:00:00.
Trail running event that starts ands finishes at Bakewell show ground. It consists of 4 routes: 10km, 20km, 42km and 50km.
Running event by Maverick Race.
Fee: £35
Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th July 2023.
The base-camp hub in idyllic Bakewell will welcome over 2,000 adventurers who will test themselves in the fabulous Peak District National Park. There’s a full range of camping options, car parking, and extensive hospitality and welfare services across the weekend – with a full 100km challenge which takes a tough and varied figure of 8 route through Derbyshire’s finest scenery. You’ll get full support all the way, and with half, quarter and 10 mile distance options, also which pass Chatsworth House – there’s a Peak District Challenge for everyone!
Marie Curies Peak District: Pick Your Path Trek
Saturday 15th July 2023 from 07:00:00.
A repeat of the 2020/2022 sponsored charity walk starting and ending in Monyash. This is a guided walk, in which participants can choose to walk 1 of 3 routes (11, 21 or 26 miles). The walk is delivered by a team of first-aid trained guides.
Walk event by Marie Curie.
Fee: £30
Challenge Cancer Through Adventure Derwent Dambuster Trail Race
Saturday 29th April 2023 from 10:00:00.
The 15th annual trail race around the Derwent and Howden reservoirs for up to 200 runners. This is the main fundraising event for Challenge Cancer Through Adventure and has not been run since 2019 due to Covid.
Running event by Challenge Cancer Through Adventure.
Fee: £22
For walks in the Peak District check out our Walking page and our Top 10 dog-friendly walks Blog
Published on December 30, 2022 in